Kotoko’s Obed Owusu ( with arms wide open) is now at the centre of an allegation

KUMASI ASANTE KOTOKO has dismissed claims of fielding an unqualified player in their Premier League match 25 win over Hearts of Oak last Sunday.

Kotoko has been under the spotlight this week after reports emerged they fielded an alleged ineligible striker Obed Owusu during their 2-1 win over Hearts.

Hearts are reported to be considering the idea of filing for eligibility protest against the champions with widespread reports they have strong evidence to back their claim.

The report has made Kotoko’s supporters anxious with growing calls for officials to clear the air on the raging matter.

However, in a statement signed by the club’s Communication Director, Kwaku Ahenkorah, the club has rubbished the claims and say they are ready to face their arch-rivals in the legal tussle.

Kotoko also labelled the potential threat from Hearts as a ‘desperate’ attempt to save their sinking boat”.

“The attention of Kotoko’s management has been drawn to media reports that, the club fielded an unqualified player in last Sunday’s Premier League match against Hearts of Oak, which the Porcupine Warriors won 2-1”.

“We are told that, the relegation-threatened Hearts of Oak, perhaps out of desperation, are in the process of filing a protest against Kotoko as a result,”

“We even understand that, Ashgold have even taken the lead. While we initially did not want to respond to this, especially in the media because of its inherent tendency to derail our focus, we are compelled to come out to urge our loyal supporters to ignore any talk about the so-called protest. Kotoko have done no wrong to warrant points-deduction.”

The statement further added: “The club has at all times played by the rules of the game. We have not and did not field an unqualified player anywhere. We reiterate the appeal to our supporters to be calm. They should stay confident”.

“ If at any time, we are called by the Ghana Football Association (GFA)’s Disciplinary Committee to respond to any allegation, we will do so appropriately,” the statement added.